How to: catch sand whiting fish
As host of fishing TV show Reel Action Michael Guest is all about showing regular anglers like you the techniques and tricks to catching bigger fish. Here he shares with Over60 his top tips for catching sand whiting fish.
Whiting are one of the most underrated species to target throughout Australian waters. Most of my fishing for whiting has been in my local estuary and beaches. Catching whiting on poppers has really kicked along over the last few years and it has proven what an aggressive and tenacious fish they really are.
Tackle time
For the majority of anglers bait is the most consistent and productive way of catching a nice brace. The tackle is fairly simple; super light gear of 1-3 kilograms is generally all that’s needed. They’re a clean fighting fish and spend most of their time in and around open sandy water.
1000 – 2500 size spin reels with either 4-6 pound nylon or super light braid with long nylon leaders is a really good place to start. Whiting have exceptionally good eyesight so fluorocarbon is a definite advantage, especially for the bigger fish. If you’re fishing around more turbulent areas such as sand banks along the beach you can get away with slightly heavier leaders, as these conditions mean a hungry whiting needs to make its mind up quickly whether to take your bait or not.
Either a tiny running sinker right to the hook or a conventional style running sinker rig using a swivel and just enough weight to hold the bottom are my two favourite rigs. Chemically sharpened worm-style long shank hooks are ideal in sizes no. 4 to no.1. Whiting have small turned down mouths designed to rummage around for all types of worms and small crustaceans so small hooks need to be used.
Catching whiting on this type of tackle, especially when you add in a little current, is great fun. It’s how I got my kids started in fishing and is still one of my favourite ways to spend a morning. Polarized sunglasses are a must as whiting have a great ability to camouflage themselves on the sand flats. You’ll be amazed at just how shallow big quality fish will be cruising.
Live bait is best
Baits such as prawns, worms, pippies, yabbies and squid are all favourites when it comes to targeting whiting. Live bait is by far the best option and you will need to look at the areas you’re fishing and work out exactly what it is the whiting are feeding on. For example, if you’re fishing at open beaches, chances are they will be feeding on either beach worms or pippies and on most occasions this will be the best bait.
Depending on the time of year and moon phases, prawns could well be high on the menu. A quick run the night before in the shallows is a great way to get some live prawns for bait. This is another good way to get the kids involved as catching the bait can be just as much fun as winding in a whiting. Live prawns rigged unweighted with a single hook then flicked across an open sand flat is not only a deadly technique but can have some spectacular action as well, with your bait skipping across the surface and a hungry whiting in pursuit.
In other locations live yabbies are hard to beat. They’re readily available and can be pumped (check your local regulations regarding this). Once again use live, they are sensational bait and make up a large part of whiting diet.
However, I still feel without a doubt worms (live or dead) are the most consistent bait for whiting in any area. The profile of baits such as worms make it easy for a whiting to devour and produce a good hook up rate. There are several different types: beach, blood, tube and squirt just to name a few. Different areas will have various worms prevalent so it pays to match the hatch. Always feed your worm on to the hook head first, or they will segment into smaller pieces if you try it from the tail end.
Sunny days
Whiting tend to feed better on brighter sunny days rather than overcast conditions. They seem to get a little skittish when the sky is grey. I think this has to do with their ability to see shadows of predatory birds from above.
Whiting are not only fun to catch but great eating as well. Try to take only what you need though.
For more great fishing tips, check out Michael's Facebook page at Michael Guest Fishing or follow him on Instagram at REELACTIONTV